Abstract
The variable gas exchange valve actuation systems have been developed in order to improve the efficiency of the combustion process. The electro-hydraulic valve actuation (EHVA) systems have good power to weight ratio, high maximum force and good controllability. The disadvantages are limited frequency bandwidth and energy recovery. Each component of the EHVA system has certain energy consumption, which is characteristic to the component. In this study the power consumptions of the components are investigated by means of the simulation. The investigated components are a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic accumulator, a control valve, and hydraulic lines connecting the components. The pressure losses caused by the oil flow are most significant in the control valves, 50-60% of the total energy consumption. If the stored kinetic energy of the actuator and moving oil masses could be reused, the energy consumption could be up to 25% better.
